Salford set to move for Murray

The former Leeds coach, Graham Murray, could be available to return to Britain following the termination of his services by the Sydney City Roosters.

Murray lost his job despite taking the club to last year's Grand Final, after they crashed out of the National Rugby League play-offs at the first hurdle this weekend. He has immediately been linked with Salford, who have said that they want to bring in an experienced man to work alongside caretaker coach, Steve McCormack.

''We were planning to leave it until the end of the season and I certainly haven't spoken to him,'' said the Salford chairman John Wilkinson. "But he is a very good coach, there is no question about that, and he did a very good job at Leeds.''

The other intriguing aspect of Murray's departure is the future of the Great Britain and former Leeds second-row, Adrian Morley, whose recruitment for the Roosters was very much Murray's personal project. "He's a Salford lad and he's always said that he would love to play here, but the money would be the sticking point for us,'' said Wilkinson.

If Morley did want to leave the Roosters after Murray's departure, however, all the leading Super League clubs including his old bosses at Leeds, would want to talk to him.

Salford, meanwhile, have admitted an interest in Julian O'Neill, whose chequered career has included spells with Widnes and London.

The club have been saddled with an injury crisis ahead of Sunday's game against Wakefield, victory in which would keep Trinity in the Super League. Jason Nicol, Craig Makin, Nick Pinkney and Kris Tassell have all been added to the casualty list following the defeat at Hull.

Wakefield could be without their prop, Keith Mason after he was charged with a dangerous tackle against Huddersfield. Mason will appear before the League's disciplinary committee today.

Also called up is St Helen's forward, Sonny Nickle, who was placed on report for a high tackle on the Leeds hooker, Robbie Mears, on Friday night.

Mears, who broke his jaw in two places and was operated on the following day by a surgeon who was at the match and volunteered his services, will not play again this season.

London hope to announce their new owners within the next couple of days. The Broncos need a financial backer and a new home for next season, although they have been invited to play at a new stadium in Milton Keynes from 2003 onwards.